Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Adopt a Pet or Find Lost Animal Assistance in Madison, WI
For over a century, Dane County Humane Society has dedicated itself to fostering harmonious relationships between people and animals through compassionate services. Established in 1925, our organization provides adoption programs, lost pet recovery, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach initiatives designed to support both animals and their caretakers. Our team of certified professionals offers dog training classes using positive reinforcement methods, microchipping services for permanent identification, and specialized programs like Pets for Life to assist underserved communities. With a commitment to innovation, we pioneered the first feline ringworm treatment program globally, curing over 1,000 cats.Our adoption guarantee ensures every healthy or treatable pet remains in our care until finding a forever home, while our thrift stores generate critical funding for animal welfare. Through strategic partnerships like Home To Home rehoming services, we keep pets in homes rather than shelters. Our emergency wildlife center operates by appointment, and our community dog days promote responsible pet ownership. With three locations across Madison, we serve Dane County through education, direct intervention, and preventative care programs addressing spay/neuter needs and pet food insecurity.
Services
Pet Adoption
Lost Animal Recovery
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Dog Training Classes
Microchipping
Pet Surrender Assistance
Community Outreach
Thrift Store
Pet Food Pantry
Equine Program
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We have operated continuously for 100 years with specialized animal welfare expertise
- Our pioneering feline ringworm treatment program has cured over 1,000 cats globally
- Certified dog training instructors use evidence-based positive reinforcement methods
- We maintain an adoption guarantee for all treatable animals
- Community outreach programs address pet ownership barriers through direct support
What people say
Lifesaving work
Compassionate staff
Excellent training
Community-focused
Successful adoptions
Services
Pet Adoption
Our adoption program connects homeless pets with forever families through comprehensive matching processes. Available animals include dogs, cats, small mammals, and exotic species. The adoption center operates seven days weekly with experienced counselors facilitating introductions between potential adopters and animals. Special programs like the Lonely Hearts Club promote adoption of long-term residents by waiving fees during designated periods.
Lost Animal Recovery
We provide comprehensive lost pet assistance through database matching, microchip scanning, and community outreach. Services include found animal reporting, lost pet flyers, social media promotion, and guidance for owners searching for missing pets. Our database updates within 48 hours of intake, and staff assist with recovery strategies for both urban and rural settings across Dane County.
Dog Training Classes
Professional training programs use positive reinforcement methods for dogs of all ages and abilities. Offerings include puppy socialization, basic obedience, leash walking, recall training, and exploratory workshops. Certified instructors accommodate special needs cases while emphasizing relationship-building between pets and owners. Virtual options available through partner platforms for flexible learning schedules.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
The wildlife center provides specialized care for injured, ill, or orphaned native species. Services include medical treatment, temporary housing, and release preparation. Staff offer guidance for public encounters with wildlife through appointment-based admissions. Educational programs promote coexistence strategies while addressing common human-wildlife conflicts in urban and rural environments.
Community Outreach
Pets for Life program delivers essential resources to underserved communities through door-to-door outreach. Services include free pet food distribution, veterinary care access, flea treatment, and educational materials. The initiative focuses on resource deserts to prevent pet relinquishment by addressing economic barriers to responsible ownership through sustained support relationships.
People
Gwen Callahan
Pets for Life Outreach Coordinator
Certified Dog Trainer with Animal Behavior College and IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate. Joined DCHS in 2021, transitioning to Pets for Life in 2023. Advocates for resource-inclusive pet ownership while managing community outreach programs in Dane County's underserved areas.
Janeen Ihm-Villalpando
Pets for Life Outreach Assistant
Lifelong animal caretaker with experience in veterinary clinics and dog training. Adopted from DCHS and now supports community outreach efforts. Brings practical expertise in pet behavior and owner education through direct engagement with local families.
Nikki Darga
Dog Training Instructor
CPDT-KA certified trainer with competitive obedience background. Developed training programs at DCHS since 2016. Specializes in positive reinforcement methods while maintaining expertise in canine behavior through continuous professional development and practical application.
Questions
How do I adopt a pet from Dane County Humane Society?
Visit our Adoption Center during open hours to meet available animals. Staff will help match you with suitable pets based on lifestyle and preferences. Complete an application and pay applicable fees to finalize adoption.
What should I do if I find a lost animal?
Check for identification tags and microchip the animal immediately. Report found pets through our online system or contact Lost & Found at (608) 838-0413 ext. 182 for reunification assistance.
Can I surrender my pet to DCHS?
All surrenders require prior appointment. Complete our Owner Support Questionnaire online to schedule a consultation where staff will explore alternatives before arranging surrender appointments when necessary.
Are dog training classes available for all skill levels?
We offer progressive training programs from puppy socialization to advanced obedience. Classes use positive reinforcement methods suitable for beginners through experienced dog owners with specialized options for specific behavioral needs.
How does the Pets for Life program work?
This outreach initiative provides free pet food, supplies, and veterinary referrals to residents in Dane County's 53713 zip code and Allied Drive neighborhood through direct community engagement and home visits.
Reviews (5)
John Reuhl B. B.
Jun 21, 2022
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Willing to help you with whatever it is that you are looking for and seems to really enjoy working with dogs and cats and whatever it is that someone could not take care of
Tori Maiers
May 25, 2022
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After filling out online information and multiple attempted phone calls, I still have not been contacted by anyone regarding putting an animal up for adoption (have now been waiting 4 weeks). Evidently there is a greater need to accept animals from other states than their own backyard. No wonder why people let their animals go or leave them on the side of the road!
Nichole Green
May 24, 2022
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It was a little busy when we were there. The staff was very informative and kind. Lots of doggies and kitties were adopted while we were there.
Heather Curley
Apr 28, 2022
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This shelter is one of the best I have ever experienced. They took excellent care of my cat and are extremely affordable compared to any other clinic. I highly advise others take their pets here for care! Very friendly staff. Thank you for taking care of bubbies!
Crystal Buchberger
Feb 07, 2022
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I work here and have also adopted from here. My overall experience is that the staff cares SO MUCH about animals. We may not all be people savvy, but we are all animal savvy! I'm mean, it IS and animal shelter. What more do you expect? Here is my recent adoption:
